The multi-purpose Tha Pae Gate had become a magnet for large numbers of pigeons drawn by vendors selling bird feed to visitors, creating mess and raising concerns over disease spread from the birds. Chiang Mai municipality responded with repeated applications of a natural herbal deterrent made from coconut oil extract to clean the area and discourage the birds, alongside broader improvements to the surrounding space. The flocks that had previously gathered on walls and in trees have largely dispersed leaving the plaza open and uncluttered once more.
Municipal police now patrol the plaza daily from 8am to 8pm watching for unauthorised bird-feed sellers and reminding tourists that feeding pigeons is prohibited with clear warning signs posted at multiple points around the area. Authorities have also barred vehicles from parking in the plaza and cracked down on unauthorised vending allowing the space to function as an open square for tourists and locals to walk and take photographs without the previous crowds of pigeons and feed sellers.
Local residents say this round of enforcement has been more sustained than past attempts which tended to see the problem return once attention moved elsewhere. With continued cleaning and a steady police presence no bird-feed vendors remain at the site and residents hope authorities will keep up the effort.
